Senate Bill 2133, also known as House Bill 2263, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-14-217(b), which pertains to the offense of aggravated cruelty to livestock animals. The bill introduces new legal language that defines aggravated cruelty as actions taken in a depraved and sadistic manner, specifically highlighting two key behaviors: intentionally starving a livestock animal to death without justifiable or lawful purpose, and engaging in certain harmful conduct that results in serious bodily injury or death to the animal, also without justifiable or lawful purpose.

The bill removes the previous language in subsection (b) and replaces it with the new definitions and criteria for aggravated cruelty. This legislative change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the treatment of livestock animals in Tennessee, ensuring that acts of cruelty are clearly defined and punishable under the law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in the context of animal rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-14-217(b), 39-14-217